Bio-Techne Advances Pediatric Oncology with G-Rex Grants for Innovative Therapy Development

Bio-Techne Fuels Advancements in Pediatric Oncology Through G-Rex Grants

Bio-Techne Corporation, a prominent player in the biotechnology sector, actively contributes to the development of cell and gene therapies through its partnership in the G-Rex Grants initiative. Announced on October 23, 2025, the collaboration with ScaleReady, Wilson Wolf Manufacturing, and CellReady awards four significant grants totaling $375,000 to faculty members at Children's National Hospital. This funding is aimed at enhancing innovative therapies and manufacturing processes, specifically in the realm of pediatric oncology, which is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced in treating children with cancer.

Among the notable recipients of the grants is Dr. Patrick Hanley, who secures $100,000 to pioneer a cost-effective CAR-T cell manufacturing process utilizing G-Rex technology. This initiative is particularly vital as CAR-T therapy has shown promising results in treating various hematological malignancies, but its high costs and complex manufacturing processes have limited accessibility. Additionally, Dr. Hanley collaborates with Dr. Michael Keller to obtain a $150,000 grant aimed at improving the production of Virus Specific T cells (VST) and Tumor Antigen Associated T cells (TAAT). Their approach leverages the G-Rex "M" series bioreactors, which are designed to streamline production by reducing handling complexity, thereby enhancing efficiency and scalability in clinical applications.

Furthermore, Dr. Amy Hont and Dr. Conrad Russell Cruz receive grants to develop innovative manufacturing processes for their respective therapies. Dr. Hont's $75,000 grant focuses on establishing a closed system for the G-Rex manufacturing process, specifically targeting the ATTACK TAAT cell therapy for solid tumors. Meanwhile, Dr. Cruz's $50,000 grant aims to optimize the manufacturing of CAR-modified TAAT cells. The collaborative emphasis on transitioning these therapies from laboratory settings to clinical environments is crucial, as highlighted by industry leaders like Wilson Wolf CEO John Wilson, who underscores the importance of fostering pioneering advancements in pediatric oncology.

Beyond the financial support, the G-Rex Grant Program, which has now surpassed $40 million in no-cost product commitments, provides grant recipients access to a consortium of partners. This network offers invaluable expertise in areas such as current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and the business operations associated with cell and gene therapies. Such collaborations are essential for accelerating progress in the field and ensuring that innovative therapies reach the patients who need them most.

In summary, Bio-Techne’s involvement in the G-Rex Grant initiative exemplifies its commitment to advancing the capabilities of cell and gene therapy in pediatric oncology. As the biotechnology sector continues to evolve, partnerships like this play a pivotal role in overcoming the hurdles of therapy development and implementation, ultimately aimed at improving patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.